News Summary
South Carolina is witnessing a surge in data center investments, with significant projects in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties. These developments are raising environmental issues, particularly concerning air pollution and energy demands. While local governments see potential economic benefits, advocacy groups are warning about the ecological impact. New facilities are set to create jobs but face scrutiny over energy usage and tax breaks. The balance between technological advancement and environmental sustainability remains a crucial focus as these projects unfold.
South Carolina is poised for significant growth in its data center infrastructure, with new projects announced in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties raising environmental and energy concerns among local advocacy groups. The Southern Environmental Law Center and Sierra Club Upstate have voiced their apprehensions about potential air pollution resulting from these large-scale facilities, highlighting the impact of increased energy demands from such operations.
A data center currently under construction at 4000 S. Pine St. in Spartanburg County is set to consume substantial energy and resources. Meanwhile, Cielo Digital Infrastructure is planning a new data center in Cherokee County, projected to consume an estimated 288 megawatts per day. Together, these initiatives represent a combined investment of $5 billion, underscoring the commitment to bolster South Carolina’s role in supporting technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing, which require continuous operational support.
NorthMark Strategies has announced a $2.76 billion plan to transform a former manufacturing facility in Spartanburg County into a cutting-edge high-performance computing center. Cielo will also contribute significantly to the region, with plans to invest $2.1 billion for their Cherokee County data center. These projects are expected to create a total of 57 jobs, with NorthMark generating 27 jobs and Cielo contributing an additional 30 jobs to the local economy.
Local governments are enthusiastic about the financial benefits these projects may bring in terms of tax revenue; however, they also face scrutiny due to the considerable tax breaks granted to the companies involved. NorthMark’s facility will produce its own power through natural gas, capitalizing on existing nearby infrastructure, while Cielo aims to implement closed-loop technology to reduce its water consumption.
The Spartanburg site will occupy roughly 900,000 square feet, and the first of its data halls is scheduled to begin operations by spring 2026. In contrast, the Cherokee County center will comprise four buildings, each nearly 400,000 square feet, and is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2028. Each building at the Cherokee center is expected to utilize approximately 72 megawatts of power daily, culminating in a total of 288 megawatts for the entire facility.
As the energy demands increase, concerns have emerged that ratepayers might experience higher costs due to the necessity of constructing new power plants. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has indicated that the growth of data centers has been a significant factor in the rising energy requirements and associated rate hikes in the state. Advocates emphasize the importance of understanding how these new facilities will affect South Carolina’s overall energy infrastructure.
Recent letters from the Southern Environmental Law Center specifically referenced the potential for increased air pollution, as there are currently no enforceable limits on emissions set for NorthMark’s power generation plan. Additionally, Spartanburg Water is slated to provide water for the NorthMark facility, subject to managing consumption levels effectively.
In addition to the aforementioned projects, Data Journey LLC, a woman and minority-owned data center provider, plans to invest in a Spartanburg site, purchasing 152 acres for $12.1 million. This site will initially offer access to 60 megawatts of power, with the capability to scale up to 100 megawatts as needed. Data Journey’s plans include establishing six new sites by 2025, which highlights the ongoing demand for data center capabilities in the Upstate.
While local and state officials recognize the economic growth potential tied to these data centers, there is a growing call for increased transparency and a balanced approach to ensure environmental sustainability and energy responsibility. The ongoing development in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties represents a pivotal moment for the state, as it navigates the complex intersection of technological advancement and environmental stewardship.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Data Center
- Data Center Dynamics
- Google Search: Spartanburg data centers
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google Scholar: Data Centers Impact
- GoUpstate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Center
- Data Center Dynamics
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
